tell me about block heater kits (searched)

[ashleyroe]

i have a block heater kit.
i know the basics on how to hook it up. ie the freeze plugs and what not,
but please, tell me everything you guys know.

[ashleyroe]

or not!

[GIDDY_UP_GO]

Where did you get your block heater kit and how much was it? I would like to put one on my lil Golf. I think that is one mod that I can do myself! 

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Unless its arctic outside, you only need to run them for about an hour or two before cranking. Most folks use a timer that is properly rated/grounded.

Your cabin heater will be warm right at start up which would be nice too.

Incorporate something large and/or highly visible to the drop cord - some kind of something that will remind you to unplug it before taking off out the driveway.

That's the biggest issue i've heard about them - is forgetting to unplug before getting in and going. 

[Vincent Waldon]

One other hint... secure the power cord carefully so that it doesn't drop down against the exhaust manifold.

[lord_verminaard]

I've got this one:
http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/Golf/EngineElectrical/396/1

In the wife's car. 


Not on the road yet so I don't know how well it works.    I have the plug connected now, I'll probably loom the wires together with the EGT wires in a heat-sleeve type deal.  I'll have more pictures later, I'm behind in that department, at this point I just want the build finished. 

Brendan

[macka]

don't forget to unplug it before driving away. I see lots of people up here with extension cords dragging down the road after the first big freeze up.

[ashleyroe]

Where did you get your block heater kit and how much was it? I would like to put one on my lil Golf. I think that is one mod that I can do myself! 

the previous own had bought it from the dealer ship but never hooked it up.
it was in the trunk with the rest of the extras.
it has no instructions or anything with it.
so i'm alittle lost on proper hook up, care and everything else.

[theman53]

If it is a freeze plug style look above at Lord V's pic...you basically knock the freeze plug out with a screwdriver or punch or tek screw and pull with a hammer. Then screw the heater in its place. Mine said to put it in the freeze plug closest to the timing belt side of the engine, but I am sure there are different types. I got mine at napa auto parts. If you could tell what brand yours is then go to a distributor of them I am sure they would let you know what the proper procedure is. Or just wing it